The Yellow Fish Road drain marking concept is modeled on a very successful program which commenced in Canada a few years ago. It is now a national Canadian program, and has really raised the awareness of the community to pollution discharging to receiving waters via stormwater drains. That campaign has worked both in reaching all age groups as well as reducing pollution loads, particularly litter, waste oils and garden chemicals and fertilizers being washed into creeks, rivers, lakes and the sea.

The Stormwater Industry Association in Australia through its Corporate Member CSR Humes, has taken up the challenge, and has sponsored a pilot program in the Sydney Northern Beaches area of Pittwater, working with the Coastal Environment Centre, a community education centre funded by the local council, to trial and develop the program.

The Program was launched on 3rd December 1998 by the Mayor of Pittwater Council, Patrica Giles.

The pilot campaign has received immediate outstanding success and acceptance by community groups and schools in the Pittwater catchment. A progressive street by street letterbox drop of the yellow fish flyers coincides with the yellow fish drain-marking by school children or community volunteers of each street stormwater kerb inlet. The program is anticipated to take 12 months to complete, and will be backed by poster displays in commercial precincts, shopping centres and industrial areas.

It is now proposed to progressively make the campaign available to all Local Government and community groups across Australia.

The SIA wishes to approach Members to gain Sponsorship, and in recognition they will have their name of product/services printed on all publicity for the particular district/catchment program. We illustrate here the fish flyer which was developed for the Sponsorship provided by CSR Humes, who pioneered the program, and paid for the up-front development costs.

Each Sponsor will be asked to pay for the following package.

• 5000 fish flyers
• 200 Posters
• 500 Bumper stickers
• 2 x Fish stencils

Each Sponsor is asked to have an active involvement in the launch of the program in each District/catchment, and the SIA and the local government and community group would try and maximise the Media publicity, to reach local schools and residents.

Each Catchment or Community group would have their name printed on the information to give them "ownership". An instruction manual will be made available to the groups based on the pilot program in Pittwater.

The Stormwater Industry Association has received submissions from Catchment Trusts, local government and associated community groups who are interested in joining in the Yellow Fish Road program. Organisations understand that they must be able to demonstrate that they can co-ordinate the campaign within their catchment or municipality, and make the program part of their environmental education awareness approach to their community. Submissions to join the program are made in writing to the SIA, and in turn, we forward an application form for completion by each applicant. Applications may be made at any time (there is no time restriction) and each application will be assessed on merit by the SIA advisory panel.

Successful applicants will receive a sponsored 'Yellow Fish Road Kit' comprising of a "How to" manual, stencils, fish flyers, posters and bumper stickers.

It is the ultimate aim of the SIA to eventually introduce the program across Australia, building on the success of the original program operating in Canada.

APPLICATIONS RECEIVED TO JOIN THE YELLOW FISH ROAD PROGRAM AS AT 1ST FEBRUARY 1999

• Pittwater Council (original trial via Coastal Environment Centre)
• City of Marion. SA and the SA Gov. Catchment Boards - Potential 10 Metropolitan Councils of Adelaide
• City of West Torrens. SA
• Shoalhaven City Council. NSW
• Willoughby City Council. NSW
• North Sydney Council
• Mosman Council
• Drummoyne Council
• Leichhardt Council
• Blacktown City Council
• Manly Council

• Upper Parramatta River Catchment Trust
• Hawkesbury Nepean Catchment Management Trust
• Hunter Catchment Management Trust

• Crighton Properties Pty. Ltd. (Terrigal Shire)
• Taylow Woodrow Pty. Ltd. (Harrington Park)

• Catholic University ( to join with North Sydney Council)

• Port Jackson CMC

• A number of Councils in Perth
• Councils in South East Queensland
• A number of Councils in inland NSW
• Great Keppel Island (Qld) Coastal Environment Centre

It is conceivable that during the next 12 months, there will be in excess of 30 Yellow Fish Road programs wishing to operate in various catchments and local government areas throughout Austraila.

Local Government and Community Organisations can print and complete application form and fax or mail it to the SIA to apply to join the Yellow Fish Road Program. Applicants will be assessed by an SIA Committee considering the following criteria:

• Demonstrated ability to manage a community based education program.
• Support funding to implement the proposed program.
• Your established or available network which links schools, community groups and business interests, which can be brought into the Program.
• Enthusiasm and commitment of your proposed Support Committee and Program Manager.

The Yellow Fish Road drain marking concept is modeled on a very successful program which commenced in Canada a few years ago. It is now a national Canadian program, and has really raised the awareness of the community to pollution discharging to receiving waters via stormwater drains. That campaign has worked both in reaching all age groups as well as reducing pollution loads, particularly litter, waste oils and garden chemicals and fertilizers being washed into creeks, rivers, lakes and the sea.

The SIA will arrange a 'Sponsored' kit which will allow the Applicant to commence the Program in the selected catchment or municipal district. The kit material will include the name of the Sponsor and the name of you Organisation or group, as well as your Council's name.

Each kit contains:

• 5000 fish flyers
• 200 Posters
• 500 Bumper stickers
• Two 'fish' stencils
• A 'How to' Guide and instructions, including recommended management and safety procedures.

Each kit is complete for commencing the Program, but it does not include the Yellow Paint, as we recommend spray paint for ease of use, and this is not a suitable product to dispatch through the mail.

Each Sponsor has been asked to have an active involvement in the launch of the program in each District/catchment, and the SIA and the local government and community group would try and maximise the media publicity, to reach residents.

The Yellow Fish Road Program is sponsored through the Corporate Membership of the Stormwater Industry Association, which is a national Association with Associations and Committees in each State of Australia. The Association acts as the "broker and manager" of the Program, and through the various organisations brought in to sponsor, is systematically developing the Program on a nationwide basis. Your organisation or community group may also like to approach or suggest a local sponsor, and the SIA would very gladly introduce them to the Program and encourage their continuing involvement. A Sponsored 'kit' costs $1000.00, and can be purchased as single or multiple packages. Some Councils and Community based organisations may wish to 'Sponsor' their own program because they:

• May currently have approved or available funding, and/or able to join the program without commercial sponsorship.
• Some Councils and Organisations do not wish to be seen to be associated with private/commercial business organisations.

Further information may be obtained from the Administrative Officer of the Association, Bronwyn Davies:

Bronwyn may be contacted at:

PO Box A398
Sydney South 1235
Phone: 1300 761 122
Fax: 1300 761 144
Email: info@stormwater.asn.au